Signal for dining-tables



Patented May 24, 1921.

PATENT -,OFFICE.

NATHANIEL IB. onnemn, or LOS enemas, caniroimm.

, SIGNAL FOR- DINING-TABLES.

Application filed July 11, 1916, Serial No. 108,552. Renewed July 130, 1917. Serial No. 183,646.

. To all whom it may concern:

guests require service.

.distant therefrom, with the least possible effort, in a dignified manner, with an absence of irritating delays, and interruptions in conversation, and whereby quick .service is correspondingly promoted, and-by means of a structure which is. both ornamental and attractive.

The further object of my invention is a,

signal for dining tables adapted for substantially concealing from View the device for producing the signal, and especially electric devices, and which further provides for their convenience and removal for substitution and repairs, and which, if desired, may include a receptacle for matches, ashes, and burnt cigars and cigarettes, and also as a support for a reservation card.

With .these ends in view, my invention finds its embodiment in certain features of novelty in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts by which said objects and certain other objects are attained, all as hereinafter fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the clalm.

In conclusion it should be understood that my invention is not limited in its application to a tower body specifically, but in cludes the use of other forms of hollow body, such for example as statues, steeples,

and figures in unlimited .varieties, whether of animals, birds, posts or other upright structures in miniature which may be de-' sired for specific uses and purposes.

I have shown an embodiment of my invention in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a dining table with my improved signal mounted thereon.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through my improved signal.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 24 1921'.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section as seen on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2. The signal shown herein comprises a casing whlch has the appearance of a light house tower provided with an outstanding base which has receptacles for articles, such as matches, ashes, etc. Within the casing is mounted a source of electrical energy, and a lamp which may be lighted and extlnguished to produce a light in the light house tower when desired.

The tower 4 and the base 5 are preferably cast integral and embellished with representations of brick and stones which are ordinarily used in light house constructions. The tower and base are cylindrical in form, and the base between its peripheral edge and 'thetower is provided at diametrically opposite points with receptacles 6 and 7 for unburnt matches. Receptacles 8 and 9' are disposed on the base at diametrically opposite points and are designed to contain the burnt matches and cigarette and cigar ashes. Upon the sides of the tower 4; ad- {itcent the receptacles 6 and 7 are pairs of 'ps 10, 11, and 12, 13, which are arranged to hold the scratching material for matches. The side of a safety match box containing the scratching material may be broken from the box and slipped between a pair of Upon the top of the tower 4 is mounted a detachable cap '14 which is in the form of a roof provided with depending spaced 7 columns 15 jolned at the bottom by a ring 16, thereby simulatin light house windows. The ring 16 is of suc diameter that it will slip within the hollow tower forming a-slidin fit therewith.-

ounted within the roof 14 is a snap switch 17 provided with a stem 18 for operating the same. Stem 18 is equipped with a suitable finger piece 19 so that upon depressing the finger piece the stem is depressed and the switch operated to either.

close or open an electrical circuit. I

Base 5 on its interior is provided with an annular flange 20 designed to hold the casing of a flash light plant, such as are well known in the electrical art. The flash light plant comprises a tubular shell 21'of insulating material within which is disposed a dry cell 22. Dry cell 22-has a button 23 connected to one electrode, the zinc casing 24 forming the other electrode. The zinc casing 24 is surrounded by an insulating casing of fiber board or like material and denoted by 25. A metallic cap 26 is detachably secured to shell 21 and has secured thereto a spiral spring 27 which extends upwardly and makes contact with the zinc casing 24,

thereby forming a terminal for the electrical cell.

Mounted within the upper end of the shell 21 is'a reflector 28 which is equipped with a socket 29 for a lamp. 30. The reflector 28 is metallic so that when the lamp is mounted therein one terminal of the lamp is in circuit with receptacle 28 and the other terminal of the lamp is in contact with button 23 forming one electrode of the electric cell. Secured to the upper end of shell 21 is l 31 and the insulating tube 32 when the sig a metallic collar 31 which engages the reflector 28, thereby making electric contact therewith so that as collar 31 and cap 26 are electrically connected the lamp 30 will light. As the tower 4 and base 5 are metallic there would be an electric circuit formed through the tower and base from cap 26 to collar 31, unless some insulation is placed therebetween. I have provided for this by surrounding collar 31 with a cylindrical insulating tube 32.

In orderto intensify the light the shell 21 has mounted at the end thereof a lens 33. A wire 34 connects collar 31 and one terminal of the switch 17. The other terminal of switch 17 is grounded upon the cap as indicatedat 35. The structure is so arrangedthat wire 34 is permanently. connected to collar 31, and ring 16 rests upon the collar nal is assembled.

By unloosening set screws 38 and lifting the cap 14 the light plant-is lifted from the tower. If it is desired to remove the cells, cap 26 is removed from shell 21 and the cell 22 slipped therefrom. A new cell may now be inserted in place and the cap replaced. The shell 21 is then disposed-within the tower and dropped into position, the cap 14 resting upon the upper end of the cell and holding it in good contact with the base 5.

Set screw 38 is then manipulated to hold cap 14 firmly upon the base 5.

The light showing through the light house windows may be of any color as translucent material may be placed within the tower and across the windows therein.

A'lug 36 having a kerf 37 is disposed upon the cap 14 and is designed to hold a card. This provides means for inserting a card containing a notice that the table is reserved, or any other notice that is desirable.

It is obvious that I have provided an ornament enhancing the beauty of a dining table, and of great utility. The signal which is formed by the light house is self contained, and the electric cells may be quickly and easily removed without requiring the services of one skilled in the electrical art. Instead of using one cell as I have shown, several cells in series or multiple may be used and all contained within the insulating tube 25. These cells are of a character such that they may be purchased in the open market and at a small expense. The operation of the light merely requires the depression or raising of finger piece 19.

In addition to the utility of myinvention as a signal, it also provides means for containing articles for which separate structures are usually employed, namely, asli trays and match holders.

What I claim is:

A device for the purposes described, comprising in combination an upstanding hollow structure provided with a supporting base of greater diameter than the structure, a cap detachably mounted on said structure and spaced therefrom to form openings for light visible at every angle therefrom, a battery disposed in said structure, an electr1c lamp mounted and confined therein adjacent said openings and a switch means mounted on the cap for controlling and signaling with said light.

Inwitn'ess that I claim the foregoin I have hereunto subscribed my name this 1 th day of June, 1916.

NATHANIEL B. CREGIER. 

